Where Are You Going
What happens when a Christian dies? Paul refers to Christians who have died as being asleep in the Lord. Some have taken Paul’s words as an indication that when Christians die they remain in some kind of sleep until the return of Christ. The implication in this is that we won’t get to Heaven until Christ returns. I don’t really see that – maybe I have forgotten some bit of Scripture here so remind me brothers if I’m off on this. Here is a sample of the kind of verse I am talking about.
1 Corinthians 15:6 ESV
“Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
I think when Paul says this kind of thing he is trying to help us understand that when a Christian dies they are not dead but that we will see them again. I think he is simply trying to avoid saying “died” because Christians don’t die in an eternal sense. The reason I think this, is because of what Christ said in the last verse of today’s reading.
Luke 23:43 ESV
“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”
Jesus said this to the condemned man on the cross next to Him. There were two criminals being crucified with Jesus. One railed at Jesus, taunting Him to save Himself. The other rebuked the first and said that Jesus did not deserve to die but that the two of them did. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus didn’t say, “You will be with me in Paradise someday” or when He returns again. Jesus said that man would be with Him in Paradise today! This is why I say we all will have our own personal Armageddon. The end of the World occurs for each of us. Each of us will die physically and stand before God. Those that rejected Jesus in life will be rejected by Him in eternity. Those that submit their lives to Christ will be with Him in Heaven, not at some later date, but on the very day they die.
There is no celestial waiting room. The day of reckoning is simultaneous with your physical death. There is only one question a man really needs to answer in his life. “Where are you going?” When might be sooner than you think.
Have a blessed day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve
Have No Fear
I think most men would stand up against just about anything to protect their family. I know in my house that when bad weather comes my girls can become a little worried. I always remain calm and reassure them that things will be okay. I’m not really afraid of much. As a Christian I have a great confidence in where I’m going. I am not worried about what other people think or what harm they can do me. I suspect most of you guys feel the same way. Still, there seems to be something that frightens almost all of us. It seems to me we are afraid of sharing the Gospel with the lost.
I don’t know if it is fear of rejection or ridicule. I don’t know if it is fear of losing our job or friends. I don’t know if it is fear that we won’t know what to say or make a fool of ourselves. I imagine it can be fear of a number of things but whatever the reason we don’t seem to be doing what our Lord has instructed us to do. Jesus speaks about our need for courage in today’s reading.
Luke 12:4–9 ESV
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.”
Luke 12:11–12 ESV
“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Whatever our reason for holding back from sharing the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we need have no fear. What is the worst a lost person can do to us for sharing the Gospel with them? Although it is unlikely, at least here in America, being killed for sharing our faith is the worst thing that could happen, and why would a Christian be afraid of that? What is going to happen to you when you die? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ you will go to Heaven where Jesus will say “Father, let him in for I paid his penalty”. From that point on it will be paradise. Are you afraid of paradise? All the lost can do to you is kill you. That may seem like a big deal to you, but in the big scheme of things it is really only a release. The lost in no way can take eternity away from you.
Now I’ll bet you aren’t really afraid of dying for your faith but you aren’t really being asked to die for your faith; you are being asked to live for your faith. All you need to do is pray, spend time in the Word, and look for every opportunity to share your faith. You don’t even have to worry about what you need to say, for the Holy Spirit will guide your tongue (if you’ll follow His lead).
Brothers, I know you are brave but I ask you to search your heart for why you don’t share your faith more often. Whatever you find is holding you back, deal with it. Remind yourself that the worst thing that can happen is death and that is meaningless. Remember that Jesus has your back and have no fear.
Have a blessed day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve
Alternate Plans
Bible Order: Num 34–36
Chronological Order: Num 1–2
Legion
We read a short passage today and I’ll only make two short observations. First, it never ceases to amaze me the power of Jesus Christ over Heaven and Earth. Jesus has absolute power even over the demons.
Mark 5:6-10 ESV
“And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country.”
This isn’t just one demon but a hundred demons all residing within this one unfortunate man. Jesus had the power not only to send them of the man out but to determine where they went. The passage goes on to say that Jesus “gave them permission” to go into a herd of pigs. Do you have any doubt that Jesus will win the final battle? I don’t.
My final observation concerns what happened with this man who was now freed from the bondage of these demons. He asked to go with Jesus but Jesus sent him elsewhere.
Mark 5:18-20 ESV
“As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.”
In the past I have asked the question why, once we are saved, we don’t immediately go to Heaven to be with Jesus? I say again that Jesus has sent us into the world to mature spiritually and to spread the Gospel. I have also said that these two things happen simultaneously; while sharing the Gospel we mature spiritually. This saved man wanted to go with Jesus but Jesus told him to go tell his friends how much the Lord had done for him and how He had mercy on him. That man did as he was told and proclaimed the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Are you any different from this man? Were you not once in bondage to sin? Did Jesus not free you from the power of sin? Why has He not taken you to Heaven yet? He has not taken you yet because He has a job for you to do. He has sent you to your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to tell them all that He has done for you.
Get to work brothers!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Alternate Plans
Bible Order: Lev 19–20
Chronological Order: Exod 21:33–24:18
Will You Be Left Behind?
Years ago I read all of the “Left Behind” series. This book series was a fictional account of the end of days from the day of the “pre-trib” rapture until the glorious coming of Jesus Christ. As noted the point of view of the authors is that the Saints or, as Paul calls them, the Elect will be raptured, or taken up, before the Great Tribulation. I enjoyed reading these books and in the final book, when Jesus suddenly returns in majesty and power, my eyes filled with tears. That is the dreaded and yet much longed for day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
As I’ve said before, I really haven’t signed up with any of the tribulation/rapture schools of thought. I think too much information is absent to allow anyone to speak with a great deal of conclusive authority on the matter. I also don’t think the point of all of this is that the end is coming but rather that one must prepare for the end. All of us will come to a physical end be it at the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, the End of Days, or just when our natural days are done. The end isn’t the issue. Where we will spend what comes after the end is the issue. I often think we spend too much time focused on things that are not the point. As fascinated as I am with the Rapture and Great Tribulation, I really don’t think they are all that important in the big scheme of things. How do either of those occurrences affect the reason I am still on this earth?
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Savior. I am under His authority and I belong to Him. My place in eternity is settled. I am still on this earth because God desires that I mature spiritually and that I tend to the business He has given me to do, namely to lead my family and share the Gospel. My fate is sealed. Whatever my Lord asks of me is fine by me. If He wants to take me up before the Great Tribulation fine; if He wants to leave me here through the tribulation to take care of business that is fine too. How will anyone else come to know Christ if all Christians are taken away? In the Left Behind books a video tape becomes the seed evangelist but I think this is really a task for the living breathing Elect.
Now, with regard to today’s reading, Jesus seems to say that there will be members of the Elect still on earth when He returns.
Matthew 24:29-31 ESV
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
You see how He says that after the Tribulation He will appear and at that moment He will send out His angels to gather His Elect? The last verse could imply that the Elect are already in Heaven and are being gathered to Him, but I would kind of think that if they are in Heaven that they don’t need to be further called or gathered wouldn’t you?
Do you see my point? The debate about all of this has gone on for a long time but it seems to me to be a side show. Do you not wish to do your Fathers will? Will you remain obedient if He has work for you to do through the Tribulation? I would consider it an honor to remain in the service of my Lord at that critical time in world history. Would you?
Have a blessed day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Alternate Plans
Bible Order: Lev 16–18
Chronological Order: Exod 19:1–21:32
His Kingdom Come
Allegedly the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012 and thus the world must end on that date as well. Jesus tells us no one knows the day or time of His return. If the Mayan calendar turns out to be right it will be an accident. While Jesus doesn’t give us a date He does give us some of the signs of the coming end. He said we would hear of wars and rumors of wars and that we’d see famines and earthquakes; these all were simply the beginning of the birth pains. Friends, there have been all of these in abundance since Jesus ascended into Heaven. He wasn’t saying these are signs but only the symptoms of the coming end.
In His description in today’s reading Jesus goes on to say that the disciples would be delivered up to tribulation and put to death. This did come to pass as all but one of the Apostles died violently for their faith and many followers (disciples) of Christ have been murdered since. By the way, notice He says Christians will be delivered up to tribulation. This may put a bit of a crimp in the argument of the pre-trib rapture folks. Those that subscribe to that point of view believe that all Christians will be taken up in the rapture before the tribulation mentioned in Revelation takes place. This statement by Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean that we won’t be taken up, but I don’t see conclusive proof that we will be either. Regardless Jesus consistently warns people that following Him will come with hardship so pre-trib or not don’t expect an easy ride. (By the way, I don’t take a position on pre, mid, and post trib rapture. I don’t feel there is enough information to say with certainty in any case.)
Well, I have digressed. The persecution of the saints is also something that is to be expected on the way to the end. In fact, the trouble that Christians will face as we proceed to the end of days will be so severe that many will fall away. The last few verses of today’s reading give us cause for concern and state specifically when the end will come.
Matthew 24:9-14 ESV
“… and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
So, we will have a hard time as the days come to an end. We will be hated by all nations! The end, however, will come when the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the whole world – that’s probably why they all will hate us. When the end comes brother everyone will have heard the truth. The Gospel, since the time of Jesus has headed west from Jerusalem. Today it continues west from China where thousands are accepting Christ daily. Soon the Gospel will come full circle coming back to Jerusalem from the east. Then my brothers Christ will return and His will be done. His kingdom will come. Don’t fall away brothers. Persevere until the end. Your reward comes at a price but it is well worth the struggle.
Have a blessed day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Alternate Plans
Bible Order: Exod 39–40
Chronological Order: Exod 1–3
Serving God
Today we read of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to the Passover celebration. He is headed toward the cross and He has been warning His disciples of what is to come – still they didn’t understand. Believe it or not I am not going to address that in today’s post. Prior to His entrance to Jerusalem the mother of James and John asked that Jesus allow her two boys to sit on His left and right hand in His Kingdom. Those that sat next to the king, on his left and right, were the second and third most powerful individuals in the kingdom, after the king himself. This mother was asking that her sons be the most powerful individuals in Heaven after Jesus Himself. Talk about a stage mother!
Jesus responded to her request with an answer that demonstrates once again that God’s ways are not man’s ways. While all of the disciples would suffer for the name of Christ, their desire to be the greatest in Heaven actually disqualified them from the position. Their hearts were not right regarding their place in that heavenly promised land. Those that will be greatest in heaven will not seek a great position. They will be servants and slaves. They will submit their own desires to the will of God and service to others. Eventually all but one of these 12 men will learn to do just that, but right now they are still spiritually immature.
Below are the verses that lay out the principle of greatness in Heaven.
Matthew 20:26-28 ESV
“… But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I remember picking up Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” and reading the first line of text which said “It’s not about you.” I jumped up, got a notebook and started taking notes. On the front of that notebook I wrote “It’s not about you”. That is the secret to happiness; it’s not about you! You know when you really get that through your thick head it is actually quite freeing. Now you might say “how can being a servant and slave be freeing?” Good question but let me remind you again that God’s ways are not man’s ways. In fact His ways are often 180 degrees from man’s ways. So it is with true freedom.
Let me ask you, would you ever try to drive a nail with a glass serving dish? No? Why not? You wouldn’t do that because the nail wouldn’t get driven and the glass dish would shatter. A glass serving dish cannot drive a nail; only a hammer can do that. When a glass serving dish tries to be a hammer it gets broken. Are you broken? Most of us are because we try to be our own god. We want to be in charge of our life. If there is any serving that we must do we want it to be self-serving. When we try to be god of our own life we are simply glass serving dishes shattering our lives in an attempt to be something we are not. We are created beings, not the Creator. We were created for a purpose. We aren’t hammers; we weren’t made to drive nails. No, we are serving vessels. We were created to serve. You are going to be happiest when you are doing that for which you were created. You were created to serve.
What does this mean in terms of practical application? You belong to God. As His child He has put certain things in your care. He has made you His steward of those things and He wants to see you perform well with those responsibilities. What things? He has given you talents, abilities, intelligence, family, wife, kids, job, church, friends, income, and so much more. Do you think all of those things are yours or His? If you said yours stop, go back, and take Christian 101 all over again. No my friend everything you have and everything you are belongs to Him. He has simply asked you to take what He has put in your charge and grow it.
Think of every skill, ability, talent, relationship, and resource you have as little plants that God has asked you to raise to maturity. You must water these plants and apply fertilizer and ensure that they get enough sunshine. You may even need to prune them from time to time. If you do a really good job He will give you more plants to raise, and if you keep doing a good job eventually you will be given a farm to manage. You see, as His servant, slave, steward, you achieve your greatest purpose in life and gain your greatest inheritance in Heaven.
The greatest in Heaven don’t seek to be the greatest anything. They seek to be faithful, obedient servants and in the process they find the greatest joy and fulfillment. Brothers, serve your wives, serve your children, serve your church, serve your neighbors. Doing so is serving God.
Have a blessed day!
Your brother and servant in Christ,
Bill
Dying to self, living to serve!
Luke 23:18–43
